An underground electric shovel and a self-battery changing system and method thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses an underground electric shovel loader and its self-swapping system and method, comprising: a high-voltage control unit; a main battery pack connected to the high-voltage control unit, the output terminal of which is connected to the power input terminal of the shovel loader, the main battery pack being used to supply power to the shovel loader in operating mode; a secondary battery pack connected to the high-voltage control unit, the secondary battery pack being used to receive charging from the main battery pack in operating mode and to disconnect charging when fully charged; and a battery swapping unit connected to the high-voltage control unit and the secondary battery pack, the secondary battery pack also being used to switch to battery swapping mode when the main battery pack's power is insufficient, the secondary battery pack supplying power to both the battery swapping unit and the shovel loader in battery swapping mode. The battery swapping process has higher integration, the shovel loader can complete the battery swapping itself, reducing investment in external supporting devices, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mechanical automation, specifically to an underground electric shovel and its self-battery swapping system and method. Background Technology

[0002] A scraper is a type of earthmoving and transport machinery that uses a bucket to scoop up soil and load the broken soil into the bucket for transport. It can perform integrated operations such as shoveling, loading, transporting, unloading, layering, and compacting. It is suitable for site leveling work in railway, road, water conservancy, and power projects. Traditional scrapers use diesel as a power source, but diesel fuel is highly polluting and affects the health of workers.

[0003] Currently, replacing diesel fuel with energy storage battery packs as a power source can solve the pollution problem. However, energy storage battery packs cannot operate under heavy loads for extended periods and need to be replaced during operation. When the energy storage battery is low in power, external battery swapping systems, such as forklifts, overhead cranes, or dedicated battery swapping stations, are used to replace the energy storage battery packs. However, the battery swapping devices have low integration, and loaders cannot achieve self-sufficiency in power sources for battery swapping. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a self-swapping system for underground electric loaders, comprising: a high-voltage control unit; a main battery pack connected to the high-voltage control unit, the output terminal of which is connected to the power input terminal of the loader, the main battery pack being used to supply power to the loader in operating mode; a secondary battery pack connected to the high-voltage control unit, the secondary battery pack being used to receive charging from the main battery pack in operating mode and to disconnect charging when fully charged; and a battery swapping unit connected to the high-voltage control unit and the secondary battery pack, the secondary battery pack being used to switch to battery swapping mode when the main battery pack's power is insufficient, the secondary battery pack supplying power to both the battery swapping unit and the loader in battery swapping mode.

[0005] Preferably, the battery swapping unit is detachably connected to the main battery pack.

[0006] Preferably, the main battery pack is connected to the high-voltage control unit via a switch.

[0007] Preferably, the high-voltage control unit comprises multiple sets of automatic switching elements.

[0008] Preferably, it further includes a display unit connected to the main battery pack and the auxiliary battery pack, including a display screen for displaying the power levels of the main battery pack and the auxiliary battery pack in real time.

[0009] Preferably, the main battery pack is provided with a fixing frame on the outside to fix the main battery pack, and the battery swapping unit replaces the main battery pack through the fixing frame.

[0010] Preferably, it also includes a display unit for displaying the power levels of the main battery pack and the auxiliary battery pack in real time.

[0011] An underground electric shovel is also provided, characterized in that the shovel includes any of the above-described technical solutions with a self-battery swapping system.

[0012] A self-battery swapping method for underground electric loaders is also provided. This method is applicable to any of the self-battery swapping systems and loaders described in the above technical solutions. The method is as follows:

[0013] S1. When the main battery pack has sufficient power, the switch between the high-voltage control unit and the main battery pack is closed, and the main battery pack supplies power to the loader and charges the auxiliary battery pack.

[0014] S2. When the main battery pack is depleted, the switch between the high-voltage control unit and the main battery pack is disconnected, and the high-voltage control unit switches to the auxiliary battery pack to supply power to the loader and the battery swapping unit.

[0015] S3. The battery swapping unit replaces the main battery pack that has been depleted with the main battery pack that has been fully charged;

[0016] S4. After the replacement is completed, the switch between the high-voltage control unit and the main battery pack is closed, switching to the working mode. The main battery pack supplies power to the loader and charges the auxiliary battery pack.

[0017] Preferably, in the method, the power levels of the main battery pack and the auxiliary battery pack are displayed by a display unit.

[0018] Preferably, the opening or closing of the switch between the high-voltage control unit and the main battery pack is manually controlled.

[0019] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0020] The main battery pack and auxiliary battery pack work together to provide power, and an additional battery swapping unit is added. In the working mode, the main battery pack powers the loader. When the main battery pack is low on power, it switches to battery swapping mode, and the auxiliary battery pack powers both the loader and the battery swapping unit. The battery swapping unit removes the low-powered main battery pack from the loader and replaces it with a fully charged main battery pack. The battery swapping process is more integrated. It does not require external power; the loader can complete the battery swapping itself through the battery swapping unit, reducing investment in external supporting devices, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a self-battery swapping system for an underground electric shovel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a self-battery swapping method for an underground electric shovel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a power swapping unit for an underground electric shovel provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] In the picture:

[0025] 101. First hydraulic cylinder; 102. Second hydraulic cylinder; 2. Quick-change hook; 3. Fixed bracket hanging plate; 4. Quick-change base; 5. Hanging rod. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The embodiments of the present invention are given for illustrative and descriptive purposes only, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described to better illustrate the principles and practical application of the invention, and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention and design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for a particular purpose.

[0027] Please see Figure 1 This embodiment provides an underground electric shovel self-battery swapping system, including a high-voltage control unit, which comprises multiple sets of automatic switching elements; a main battery pack connected to the high-voltage control unit, the output of which is connected to the power input of the shovel; the main battery pack supplies power to the shovel in operating mode; in this embodiment, a mounting bracket is provided outside the main battery pack to fix it in place, and a battery swapping unit replaces the main battery pack via the mounting bracket; a secondary battery pack connected to the high-voltage control unit, which receives charging from the main battery pack in operating mode and disconnects charging when fully charged; and a battery swapping unit connected to the high-voltage control unit. The main battery pack is connected to the primary battery pack and the secondary battery pack. The secondary battery pack is also used to switch to battery swapping mode when the main battery pack's power is insufficient. In battery swapping mode, the secondary battery pack supplies power to both the battery swapping unit and the loader. The battery swapping unit removes the main battery pack with insufficient power and replaces it with a fully charged main battery pack. A display unit, connected to both the main battery pack and the secondary battery pack, includes a display screen to display the power levels of both the main battery pack and the secondary battery pack in real time. In this embodiment, the main battery pack supplies power to the loader in the operating mode, supporting the normal operation of the loader. In battery swapping mode, the main battery pack is disconnected from the loader, and the secondary battery pack supplies power to both the loader and the battery swapping unit, supporting the battery swapping unit in replacing the main battery.

[0028] The main battery pack is connected to the high-voltage control unit, with a switch between them. The switch is opened or closed to control the connection and disconnection of power supply from the main battery pack to the loader. The battery swapping unit is detachably connected to the main battery pack. In working mode, the main battery is fixed, and in battery swapping mode, the main battery pack is removed and replaced with a fully charged main battery pack. The auxiliary battery pack is connected to the main battery pack through the high-voltage control unit. In working mode, the main battery pack charges the auxiliary battery pack. The battery swapping unit is connected to the auxiliary battery pack through the high-voltage control unit. In battery swapping mode, the auxiliary battery pack supplies power to the battery swapping unit.

[0029] In operating mode, the switch between the main battery pack and the high-voltage control unit is closed, providing power to both the loader and the high-voltage control unit, meeting the needs of the loader's operation and travel. It also serves as the charging power source for the auxiliary battery pack, automatically stopping charging once fully charged. The display unit shows the real-time power levels of both the main and auxiliary battery packs. When the main battery pack's power is insufficient, the operator disconnects the switch between the main battery pack and the high-voltage control unit, entering battery swapping mode. In battery swapping mode, the power supply to the main battery pack is disconnected from the high-voltage control unit, and the auxiliary battery pack automatically switches from charging mode to discharging mode, connecting to the high-voltage control unit. The high-voltage control unit then supplies power to the loader and battery swapping unit, enabling the loader to travel to the battery swapping station or reposition itself within the station. Simultaneously, the battery swapping unit swaps the insufficient main battery pack with a fully charged one. After the swap is complete, the operator manually closes the switch between the main battery pack and the high-voltage control unit, switching the auxiliary battery pack from discharging mode to charging mode. The main battery pack then supplies power to the loader and the high-voltage control unit, while charging the auxiliary battery pack.

[0030] Please see Figure 2 A self-battery swapping method for underground electric shovels is provided:

[0031] S1. When the main battery pack has sufficient power, the switch between the high-voltage control unit and the main battery pack is closed, and the main battery pack supplies power to the loader and charges the auxiliary battery pack.

[0032] S2. When the main battery pack is depleted, the switch between the high-voltage control unit and the main battery pack is disconnected, and the high-voltage control unit switches to the auxiliary battery pack to supply power to the loader and the battery swapping unit.

[0033] S3. The battery swapping unit replaces the main battery pack that has been depleted with the main battery pack that has been fully charged;

[0034] S4. After the replacement is completed, the switch between the high-voltage control unit and the main battery pack is closed, switching to the working mode. The main battery pack supplies power to the loader and charges the auxiliary battery pack.

[0035] In this embodiment, an underground electric shovel is also provided. The shovel includes the aforementioned self-battery swapping system. In working mode, the shovel is powered by the main battery pack and operates normally. The operator monitors the main battery pack's power level through the display screen on the shovel. When the power is insufficient, the switch between the main battery pack and the shovel is disconnected. The high-voltage control unit automatically switches the shovel's power input to the auxiliary battery pack. At the same time, the auxiliary battery pack is connected to the battery swapping unit for power supply, that is, the shovel's self-battery swapping system switches from working mode to battery swapping mode. In battery swapping mode, the operator drives the shovel to a battery swapping station, where a main battery pack with sufficient power is stored. The operator then removes the main battery pack with insufficient power from the shovel through the battery swapping unit and replaces it with a main battery pack with sufficient power, which is then installed into the shovel.

[0036] Please see Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a battery swapping unit is provided. The battery swapping unit is fixedly mounted on a loader via a quick-change base 4. A mounting bracket 3 is installed on the quick-change base 4. One end of a quick-change hook 2 is connected to the mounting bracket 3, and the other end of the quick-change hook 2 is connected to the quick-change base 4. The quick-change hook 2 is used to fix a hanging rod 5. The mounting bracket includes hooks, which are hung on the hanging rod 5 of the battery swapping unit. The hanging rod 5 is connected to the quick-change base 4 via the quick-change hook 2. A first hydraulic cylinder 101 is connected between the quick-change hook 2 and the quick-change base 4 to drive the quick-change hook 2 to rotate around the quick-change base 4 and the quick-change hook 5. The connection of the quick-change hook 2 is rotated, causing the fixed frame plate 3 and the fixed frame to switch from a horizontal state to an inclined state. After the fixed frame makes stable contact with the ground, the fixed frame plate 3 separates from the quick-change hook 2. Then, the loader is driven to the location of the new main battery pack. After the fixed frame plate 3 connects to the quick-change hook 2, the first hydraulic cylinder 101 is started again, causing the fixed frame containing the main battery pack to rotate to a horizontal state. Then, the second hydraulic cylinder 102 connects the fixed frame plate 3 to the quick-change base 4 to finally complete the replacement of the main battery pack, making the replacement of the main battery pack more convenient and faster.

[0037] Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art and related fields based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Structures, devices, and operating methods not specifically described and explained in the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, shall be implemented according to conventional means in the art.

Claims

1. A self-battery swapping system for underground electric loaders, characterized in that, include: High-voltage control unit; The main battery pack is connected to the high-voltage control unit, the output terminal of which is connected to the power input terminal of the loader. The main battery pack is used to supply power to the loader in the working mode. A secondary battery pack is connected to the high-voltage control unit. The secondary battery pack is used to receive charging from the main battery pack in the operating mode and to disconnect charging when fully charged. The battery swapping unit is connected to the high-voltage control unit and the auxiliary battery pack. The auxiliary battery pack is also used to switch to battery swapping mode when the main battery pack is low on power. In the battery swapping mode, the auxiliary battery pack supplies power to the battery swapping unit and the loader respectively. The battery swapping unit is fixedly mounted on the loader via a quick-change base. A mounting plate is installed on the quick-change base, with one end of the mounting plate connected to a quick-change hook. The other end of the quick-change hook is connected to the quick-change base, and the quick-change hook is used to secure a hanging rod. The mounting frame includes a hook, which is hung on the hanging rod of the battery swapping unit. The hanging rod is connected to the quick-change base via the quick-change hook. A first hydraulic cylinder connects the quick-change hook and the quick-change base, causing the quick-change hook to rotate around the connection point between the quick-change base and the quick-change hook. This causes the mounting plate and the mounting frame to switch from a horizontal to an inclined state. Once the mounting frame makes stable contact with the ground, the mounting plate separates from the quick-change hook. The loader is then driven to the location of the new main battery pack. After the mounting plate reconnects to the quick-change hook, the first hydraulic cylinder is activated again, causing the mounting frame containing the main battery pack to rotate to a horizontal state. Then, a second hydraulic cylinder connects the mounting plate to the quick-change base, ultimately completing the replacement of the main battery pack.

2. The self-battery swapping system for underground electric loaders according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery swapping unit is detachably connected to the main battery pack.

3. The self-battery swapping system for underground electric loaders according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main battery pack is connected to the high-voltage control unit via a switch.

4. The self-battery swapping system for underground electric loaders according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-voltage control unit consists of multiple sets of automatic switching elements.

5. The self-battery swapping system for an underground electric shovel loader according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a display unit connected to the main battery pack and the auxiliary battery pack, for displaying the power levels of the main battery pack and the auxiliary battery pack in real time.

6. The self-battery swapping system for an underground electric shovel loader according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main battery pack is externally mounted with a mounting bracket to secure it, and the battery swapping unit replaces the main battery pack via the mounting bracket.

7. An underground electric shovel loader, characterized in that, The loader includes the self-battery swapping system described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. A self-battery swapping method for an underground electric shovel, characterized in that, The method is applicable to any of the self-battery swapping systems described in claims 1-6 or the underground electric shovel loader described in claim 7, and the method is as follows: S1. When the main battery pack has sufficient power, the switch between the high-voltage control unit and the main battery pack is closed, and the main battery pack supplies power to the loader and charges the auxiliary battery pack. S2. When the main battery pack is depleted, the switch between the high-voltage control unit and the main battery pack is disconnected, and the high-voltage control unit switches to the auxiliary battery pack to supply power to the loader and the battery swapping unit. S3. The battery swapping unit replaces the main battery pack that has been depleted with the main battery pack that has been fully charged; S4. After the replacement is completed, the switch between the high-voltage control unit and the main battery pack is closed, switching to the working mode. The main battery pack supplies power to the loader and charges the auxiliary battery pack.

9. A self-battery swapping method for an underground electric shovel loader according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the method, the power levels of the main battery pack and the auxiliary battery pack are displayed by a display unit.

10. A self-battery swapping method for an underground electric shovel loader according to claim 8, characterized in that, The opening or closing of the switch between the high-voltage control unit and the main battery pack is manually controlled.

Images